Heart Matters Conference Held

Over 120 nurses and allied health professionals attended the VCU Health Pauley Heart Center Nursing’s 17th Annual Heart Matters Conference, held Nov. 18th at the Richmond Marriott.

Director of Nursing Kathryn Perkinson, MSN, gave the opening and closing remarks for the day-long event. Physician and nurse speakers addressed a variety of topics in cardiovascular disease, including new research and procedures, and a panel discussion on “Transforming Care at the Bedside.”

“The speakers were dynamic, especially Dr. Ashley, whose topic was women’s heart health,” said Michelle Gossip, a nurse and ARCTIC Program Coordinator.

A former Pauley heart transplant patient and cancer survivor also spoke. “He shared his story about how caring and compassionate the medical providers were who impacted him during this very critical illness. They ultimately impacted his decision to go into a healthcare-related career,” said Gossip.

She added, “The purpose of the day is to gain new knowledge, but it’s also for rejuvenation. That’s why we always end the day with a patient-lived experience: It refills our cup.”